Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- EEA
- Prize
- €1,000
- Deadline
- 8/10/2026
In short
The European Environment Agency's 'Resilient by Nature' photo competition offers 3 x 1000 EUR for the best photos in each category, a 500 EUR Public Choice award, and a 500 EUR Youth Prize to citizens of EU countries and associated nations.
Resilient by Nature – EEA photo competition 2026
By EEA
CompetitionAccepting applications now1,000 prizeApply by 8/10/202610 days left
3 X 1000 EUR
Prizes for best photo in each category
500 EUR
Public Choice award
500 EUR
Youth Prize (18-24 years old)
Free
Entry fee
10 August 2026
Submission deadline
Overview
The European Environment Agency (EEA) invites photography enthusiasts to participate in its 2026 annual photo competition, 'Resilient by Nature'. This competition aims to showcase how natural systems contribute to Europe's resilience and support human societies. The challenge is to capture the inherent resilience of nature, its organizational structures, and the impact of climate change and human pressures. Participants are encouraged to photograph how these natural harmonies are disrupted and, importantly, how individuals and communities are working to restore and strengthen these vital systems. The competition seeks to highlight the untold stories of nature, instances of environmental change, and actions that promote adaptation and a new balance for both the planet and its societies. Through submitted photographs, the EEA hopes to illustrate the foundational role nature plays in providing essential services like clean air, water, and food, which are crucial for human health and well-being. In an era of increasing climate change, Europe must adapt to new challenges. Strengthening the continent's capacity to face crises is intrinsically linked to safeguarding nature and the invaluable services it provides. The competition underscores this critical connection.
What to build
Participants must submit photographs that capture how nature underpins Europe’s resilience. This includes showcasing how natural systems are organized and support societies, how climate-related and human pressures disrupt this harmony, and how people are finding ways to restore and strengthen these dependent systems.
Prizes
Best photo in each category
Awarded to the best photograph in each of the three categories.
1000 EUR
Public Choice award
Awarded based on public voting.
500 EUR
Youth Prize
Awarded to an eligible participant aged 18-24 years old.
500 EUR
Key dates
- Submission deadline10 August 2026
Eligibility
The competition is open to citizens of the EU 27 Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and Türkiye. Citizens of countries under stabilisation and association agreements are also eligible, including North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
How to enter
- Prepare your photographs according to the competition theme.
- Visit the official website for submission: https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/photo-competitions/resilient_by_nature
- Submit your entries before the deadline of 10 August 2026.
Sponsors & partners
European Environment Agency (EEA)